Spatial analysis of radionuclide concentration in the high background radiation regions of Kerala, India.

ABSTRACT

Every creature on earth undergoes continuous exposure to natural background radiation. Hence, it is crucial to monitor systematically, the degree of radioactivity in the ecosystem and possible radiological health hazards. The present study attempt to investigate the dynamics of prominent radionuclides and various radiological parameters associated with terrestrial gamma radiations along the littoral regions of the Kollam district, a well-reported high background radiation area in India. The gamma radiation exposure rate along the coastal belt of Kollam was measured using a portable Micro-R-survey meter and associated radiological parameters have been calculated and compared with the global average values. The result indicates that the radiological parameters cross the safe limits recommended by the UNSCEAR 2000. A high value is found in the shoreline of Chavara, with a maximum absorbed dose rate of 11 945.1nGyh-1. The monazite-enriched black sand widely distributed all along the coast, which contains natural radioisotopes such as 40K, 226Ra and 232Th, has greatly contributed to the increase in radiation levels in the regions.